Monday, 9 February 2009

EU Sustainable Energy Week February 2009

I attended sessions of the programme with MSP colleagues as part of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee's Energy Enquiry. The meetings focused on carbon capture and storage (CCS), marine renewable development and the need to accommodate areas of high nature designations that are most suitable for Scotland's contribution to EU energy security. From Commissioner Piebalgs and the EU Parliament Committee clerks we got a range of views. They underlined the opportunities that Scots should grasp with both hands when we contemplate our contribution to EU 20-20-20 targets. With unique resources of clean power, especially in the Pentland Firth and Moray Firth, a European supergrid has to be built.

I was elected Highlands & Islands MSP in 2003. I am a member of the Parliament's Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee as well as the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. I am also a historian, musician, author and traditional music festival organiser.
Scots, Gaelic and the Traditional Arts are core interests as are nuclear disarmament, affordable housing and saving consultant led services in the NHS.
I was born and educated in Glasgow, and attended Dundee University and Education College. As a former Modern Studies teacher much of my professional life was spent teaching at the Invergordon and Alness Academies as the Principal Teacher of Guidance. Since early retirement, or early ‘relifement’ as I like to call it, I have developed my historical training and skills by writing the book Plaids and Bandanas.
I have been a long time SNP activist and was a former District Councillor in Ross and Cromarty. I joined the SNP in 1966, was FSN President from 1970-1973 and have been a member of the SNP's National Council, Executive, and Cabinet.